Itsy-bitsy

There's more recognition coming A.R. Rahman's way — a nomination for the Best Original Score at the Golden Globe Awards, for his work in Danny Boyle's 127 Hours. Rahman's music in the film, starring James Franco, on the life of mountain climber Aron Ralston, received good reviews for its ‘haunting tracks' and ‘wonderful crescendos'. Incidentally, the soundtrack includes a song, ‘If I Rise', by Rahman and American singer Dido, which has led to a proposed album collaboration between the two.

Hitting the high notes

Slowly, but steadily, music director Thaman S is climbing up the popularity charts, especially with big producers. The soundtrack of Jiiva-starrer Vandhaan Vendraan is expected to release soon. Meanwhile, Thaman has been signed up by GK Films for a film starring Nakul. This is the first time Vishal's home production is doing a film with another hero. “I am excited about these opportunities,” says Thaman.

Tapping a new audience

In recent times, many South Indian films, particularly Tamil movies, have been entered in or been invited to film festivals abroad. Thanks to professional sub-titling, these films have entertained foreign audiences, and, many a time, brought in more revenue to the producer. And now, Sanikkizhamai Saayangalam 5 Mani, after gaining entry into the Limca Book of World Records for being completely shot on a HDSLR still camera which has a video recording feature, has been released in New Jersey and San Jose in the U.S. The movie features new faces Sarath and Malini and is directed by Ravi Bharathi and Rathi Bala.

Back under the arclights

He appears as himself (along with many other actors) in an Om Shanti Om kind of song in K.V. Anand's Ko, which stars Jiiva, Ajmal, Karthika and Piaa. Nakul's Masilamani and Kandakottai released in 2009Masilamani Kandakottai, . The actor is upbeat about having been signed up by Vishal's home banner, GK Films, for its next production. “Apart from director Thiru's film for GK Films, I have signed up for projects with directors Adhyaman and Vijay. It's been worth the wait as I was not really happy with any of the scripts that came my way this year. Thiru's film is an action thriller. Yet another interesting factor is that Thaman, with whom I had worked in Boys, scores the music,” says Nakul.

On a roll

Tamannaah, who celebrates her birthday on December 21, is all excited about her forthcoming Siruthai with Karthi and Venghai with Dhanush. In Telugu, Tamannaah is busy with films such as Badrinath (Allu Arjun), Racha (Junior NTR) and an untitled film with Naga Chaitanya.

So, what's been the high point in her career in 2010? “ Paiyya has done wonders for my career and image. The film did well at the box office, too. It was great working with Karthi, and in the coming year, I'm looking forward to Siruthai, where we are paired together again. Now, I'm filming for Venghai, a project that really excites me,” says Tamannaah.